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Live: What To Know March 29 About COVID-19 In Wisconsin

Number Of Total Cases Of COVID-19 In State Is Rising

By WPR Staff

Published:

Sunday, March 29, 2020, 5:00am

Updated:

Sunday, March 29, 2020, 4:25pm

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The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state continues to grow.

The state Department of Health Services announced Sunday there are 1,112 positive casesof COVID-19 statewide, as well as 16,550 negative tests. However, the number continues to grow as counties announce positive cases. As of Sunday the statewide death total due to COVID-19 was 18, according to state and local health officials.

The Evers administration's "safer-at-home" order remains in effect, prohibiting non-essential travel, with some exceptions.

As the response to the virus evolves, Wisconsin Public Radio will be keeping track of up-to-date happenings here, and in our broadcast and online coverage. If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 — either about the virus, prevention or preparation — ask us and we'll do our best to answer.

For explanations for common questions and additional information about COVID resources, read WisContext's story listing 10 things to know about the pandemic and public health in the state.

4 PM: Milwaukee's Homeless Population At Risk For COVID-19 Could Be Housed In Former Seminary

Milwaukee's homeless population who is susceptible of contracting COVID-19, or showing symptoms of the virus, could be staying at a former seminary, Mayor Tom Barrett announced SUnday.

The city has been working with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and the city of St. Francis, where the seminary is located to make arrangements.

Two wings of the seminary’s Clare Hall will open, one for people showing symptoms, the other for people at risk. There are a total of 90 beds.

The city's Department of Health Services will work with 14 homeless shelters to make referrals.

"These are individuals who do not have stable homes," Barrett said. "As a society we have an obligation to make sure they are not exposing others to COVID-19 but that they do not get COVID-19 if they are in a high-risk category."

2:15 PM: Cases Of COVID-19 Rise To 1,112 In Wisconsin

The number of positive cases of the new coronavirus in Wisconsin rose to 1,112, according to updated figures released by the state Department of Health Services Sunday afternoon. The number of negative tests rose to 16,550.

Eighteen people have died in the state as a result of COVID-19, based on information provided by state and local officials.

The new confirmed cases announced Sunday push the state well past the milestone of 1,000 cases — on Saturday the number sat just below that at 989.

Deaths related to the virus have been highest in Milwaukee county with 10. As of Sunday afternoon, there had also been one death each in Dane, Fond du Lac, Iron, Sauk and Waupaca counties and three in Ozaukee County.

Aurora Health Care is postponing the opening of its $130 million clinic, ambulatory surgery center and physician office building in Kenosha County due to concerns about COVID-19, according to The Milwaukee Business Journal.

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The facility was scheduled to open June 8 in Pleasant Prairie.

Aurora Health Care didn't immediately respond to an email from Wisconsin Public Radio.

Aurora Health Care said in a press release to The Business Journal it "will continue to assess the situation and determine the appropriate time to open the Pleasant Prairie facility."

11 AM: Milwaukee County Has 10 COVID-19 Deaths

The Milwaukee County medical examiner has reported a 71-year-old man has died from complications of COVID-19. The man had underlying health issues, according to the medical examiner.

This is the 10th death related to COVID-19 in Milwaukee County. All of the people who have died related to the new coronavirus in Milwaukee County are African American, according to medical examiner reports.

As of Sunday morning, Milwaukee County had 627 positive COVID-19 cases, according to Milwaukee County's COVID-19 dashboard. Wisconsin had positive 989 cases as of Friday afternoon, according to health officials.

7:11 AM: Packers To Keep Lambeau Field Closed Until April 24

The online operations for the Packers Pro Shop have remained open. "Packers Pro Shop online operations will continue under the state’s order as it is a business that ships goods to end users with an operating staff that can safely meet social distancing requirements," the team was quoted as saying.

The newspaper reported that NFL officials have allowed teams to continue their normal business operations, including signing players and considering picks for the NFL draft, which begins April 23.

SATURDAY: Waupaca County Confirms First COVID-19 Death

Waupaca County confirmed its first death due to the new coronavirus on Saturday. In a press release, the county said the first death was also its first confirmed case.

"We are saddened by this death and our hearts go out to the family, friends, and community," wrote Jed Wohlt, county public health officer. "We strongly encourage our residents to stay safer at home unless activities are essential.

That brings the statewide death total to 17.

SATURDAY: State Legislative Fiscal Bureau Estimates Wisconsin Could Get $2B In Federal Aid

The nonpartisan state Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) has released a memo estimating the amount of funding the state of Wisconsin and its largest metro areas could receive from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The LFB estimates, based on 2019 population information, the state of Wisconsin could receive $2.26 billion in federal funds.

Because of their larger populations, the city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and Dane County could receive designated funds, with an estimated total of $360 million. The city of Milwaukee could receive an estimated $102.7 million, Milwaukee County could receive an estimated $164.5 million, and Dane County could receive an estimated $93.4 million, according the memo.

The rest of the federal money would be available to the state government.

SATURDAY: Counties, State Ask For Donations Of Personal Protective Equipment

Some counties in Wisconsin, including Dane County and Rock County, are asking residents to donate any personal protective equipment (PPE) they may have to health care workers or first responders.

They are seeking donations for any masks, face shields, and paper or cloth gowns in order to meet the needs of a possible shortage of this equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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